Saturday, 23 April 2016

LIVESTREAM: 3rd and Final PiliPinas Debates 2016 on ABS-CBN video now up

MANILA, Philippines - The third and final leg of presidential debate dubbed as "PiliPinas Debates 2016" happens today, April 24, 2016 at the Student Plaza of Phinma-University of Pangasinan in Dagupan City. ABS-CBN, the broadcast partner mounts full livestream of this townhall debate.

3rd and Final PiliPinas Debates 2016 on ABS-CBN video now up


ABS-CBN, Manila Bulletin, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) set the final showdown of PiliPinas 2016 Presidential Town Hall Debate series two weeks before the May 9 elections.

Catch the livestream of third Pilipinas Debates 2016 at the University of Pangasinan here (news.abs-cbn.com/live):


The pre-program will air at 5:45 p.m. on ABS-CBN. Debate proper begins at 6 p.m. There will also be a “HALALAN 2016 Debate Special” on ANC, the ABS-CBN News Channel, DZMM/Teleradyo, and News.abs-cbn.com beginning 5pm that will provide in-depth analysis before and after the debate.

Note: The full video replay courtesy of ABS-CBN will be available on this page later.

Meanwhile, here's the live Twitter feed for the final presidential debate for the 2016 elections:



All presidential candidates will share the stage for the last time

ABS-CBN Integrated News and Current Affairs chief Regina Reyes has confirmed that all five presidential candidates will attend the debate.

Vice President Jejomar Binay, Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, Senator Grace Poe, and former Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas have all agreed to the format and mechanics of the Luzon leg of the Pili Pinas 2016 Debate series.

Miriam who skipped the Visayas leg due to health reason will show up this time. "Oh yeah I will be there!" she told reporters during the commencement exercise at Bulacan State University.

Presidential debates topics, format

Reyes said the Comelec debate will use townhall format as this would allow regular people to ask the candidates of some pressing issues of the society.

presidential townhall debate

The topics were carefully selected from entries submitted by the general public to ABS-CBN.

Issues that will be tackled in the debate include metro traffic and public transport, job security, health, foreign policy, basic public education, OFW concerns, and peace for Mindanaoans in conflict areas. There will also be a “Face-Off,” where a candidate will pose questions to a fellow candidate.


“We are dubbing it (the debate) as Harapan ng Taong Bayan, where real people with real issues will be able to participate,” ABS-CBN News department representative Francis Toral said.

ABS-CBN’s top news anchors Karen Davila and Tony Velasquez will moderate the town hall debate.

Debate to be aired live abroad

This final presidential debate will make use of an open-field venue and be aired abroad live for the first time via ABS-CBN’s The Filipino Channel (TFC). It will also be available via iWantTV.

ABS-CBN's presidential debate which run from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. It will also be shown online via live streaming services of Manila Bulletin and ABS-CBN’s online sites.

Feedback for the Comelec debate

Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista said he hoped the event will become a regular addition in future elections. “It will now become a tradition that will also be observed in succeeding elections,” Bautista said.

“The Dagupan debate is the most proximate to the election day and I am sure whatever will transpire will have more influence in the minds of the voters,” KBP Board Chairman Herman BasbaƱo said.

On February 21, the first run of the debate series held at Cagayan de Oro City was organized by GMA-7. On March 20, TV5 staged the debate at the University of the Philippines (UP)-Cebu. The latter became controversial due to misunderstanding of rules between a candidate and TV5.

Who will dominate the third and final #PiliPinasDebates2016? Express your thoughts in the comment section below.

VIDEO: Ryan Gallager sings "Narito" on I Love OPM Finale

MANILA, Philippines - Balladeer Ryan Gallager from United States has impressed the judges on his soulful rendition of Gary Valenciano's "Narito" in the grand finals night on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the Resorts World Manila.

Ryan Gallager sings "Narito" on I Love OPM Finale

Ryan's performance with the Mandaluyong Children's Choir earned praises not only on his powerful voice but on his golden heart for the kids.

"Dahil sa OPM, I've got an inside look into what people's hearts here feel like cause I find homes for children," Ryan said.

"Hindi lang kami na-touch. Ramdam namin ang sincerity mo habang kasama ang mga bata. We're happy you are here in the grand destination" Himigration Officer Lani Misalucha has commented.

"Ang sarap mo panoorin sa entablado. Ang sarap mo din paglihian. Yung consistency ng husay mo at paghit mo ng mga notes," judge Toni Gonzaga said.

"You definitely have the highest range. Dreams do come true and tonight, it will happen to you," judge Martin Nievera added.

WATCH: I Love OPM Finale: Ryan Gallagher - "Narito" by Gary Valenciano (video courtesy of ABS-CBN).

Here's how to support for Ryan Gallager.

Did you like Ryan Gallager's performance. Tell us in the comment section below.

Grand Touristar: Yohan Hwang wins "I Love OPM"

MANILA, Philippines - Yohan Hwang from Korea was named first-ever Grand Touristar of ABS-CBN’s original singing competition for 100% non-Filipinos who love OPM music, “I Love OPM.”


In the "Grand Destination' episode on Saturday, April 23, Yohan edged out other finalists Dio Smith from Pakistan, Ryan Gallagher from U.S.A., and and J-Morning also from Korea.

The top 4 artists sing their hearts out in singing OPM songs but Yohan got the coveted Kababayan votes ( text and online votes).

The Himigration officers composed of Lani Misalucha, Martin Nievera and Toni Gonzaga also gave Yohan the highest percentage of votes.

The winner was decided from the combined votes from the judges and the public. Yohan got the highest votes of 32.82% while J Morning ranked second with 23.42%. Ryan and Dio placed third and fourth,23.27% and 20.50% respectively.

As a Grand Touristar, Yohan will receive two million pesos in cash, recording contract with Star Music and vacation package to Cebu.

"I Love OPM" Grand Finals Recap, performances and video

MANILA, Philippines - Who will be the first grand Touristar of "I Love OPM"?

"I Love OPM" Grand Finals Recap, performances and videos

The top 4 Touristars Dio Smith from Pakistan, Ryan Gallagher from U.S.A., and Yohan Hwang and J-Morning from Korea battled to become the first Grand Touristar of ABS-CBN’s original singing competition for 100% non-Filipinos who love OPM music, “I Love OPM.”

On Saturday's "Grand Destination" episode, the final showdown began at the Resorts World Manila. Check out the full recap, highlights of performances and videos here.


Watch as these four sing their hearts out in singing OPM songs to win the coveted Kababayan votes. This time, the whole country gets the chance to pick who they think deserves to be the winner as the public can vote through text and through online.

Public votes will comprise to 50% while judges' votes to another 50% of total score. Voting will open after all the performances.

The Grand Touristar will receive two million pesos in cash, recording contract with Star Music and vacation package to Cebu.

“I Love OPM’s” resident rakista Dio has consistently captured the essence of Pinoy rock energizing the crowd with his performances. Himigration Officer Lani Misalucha confirmed Dio’s rockstar status and said, “no doubt about it, you truly make us happy and proud when it comes to rock and roll.”

Yohan, meanwhile, has always been the teen charmer. He not only uses his killer smile to win over the audience but his smooth voice also enabled him to give remarkable performances. In order to win it, Himigration Officer Martin Nievera offered some personal advice. He quipped, “take it from me, cute is not forever, so level up your singing and your performances.”

On the other hand, soulful balladeer Ryan never fails to infuse emotion in the powerful songs he sings throughout the competition. Ryan even made a believer out of Himigration Officer Lani.

“I was unsure about Ryan the first two rounds but he showed us he belongs here; he showed me how good he really is,” she said.

Lastly, “K-rock” band J-Morning never fails to add their own flavor to the songs they sing making unique renditions of popular Pinoy hits.

“Everytime you step on stage, you choose songs from different genres giving us a different experience each time,” said Himigration Officer Toni Gonzaga who was very impressed with their originality.

Who among the four will win the Kababayans hearts? Who will be crowned “Grand Touristar”?

OPM singers Arnel Pineda and Randy Santiago opened the finale as they performed Hajji Alejandro's "Kayganda ng Ating Musika."

Here's the live feed of "I Love OPM" grand finale:


List of Passers: Civil service exam results April 17, 2016 CSE-PPT

The Civil Service Commission(CSC) released results of April 17, 2016 Civil Service Exam - Paper and Pencil Test (CSE-PPT) also known as Career service examination for Professional and sub-professional levels. The full list of passers out of more than 100,000 registered examinees will be available here as we update this webpage.

Civil service exam results April 17, 2016 CSE-PPT

CSC announced that passers who got at least 80 percent score will be eligible for the first and second level positions in the civil service provided the eligibles meet the qualifications and other requirements of the positions (education, experience, and training).

Here's the complete list of passers per region for April 17, 2016 CSE-PPT (check back for the updates):

[ NCR | CAR | CARAGA | ARMM | Region 1 | Region 2 | Region 3 | Region 4 | Region 5 | Region 6 | Region 7 | Region 8 | Region 9 | Region 10 | Region 11 | Region 12 | Top 10 ]

The CSE-PPT is a general ability test designed to measure an individual’s preparedness to enter government service.

The three-hour test for the professional level includes vocabulary, grammar and correct usage, paragraph organization, reading comprehension, analogy, logic, and numerical reasoning (English and Filipino).

For the sub-professional level, exam coverage is almost the same with the inclusion of clerical operations instead of analogy and logic and timed for 2.5 hours.

Both examination levels also include questions for general information on the Philippine Constitution, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (R.A. 6713), peace and human rights issues and concepts, and environment management and protection.

The CSC announced that exam results will be released within 41 days after the examination through posting the list of passers in the CSC website.

Official results can be expected from May 23 to June 3, 2016 or on May 28 (41 calendar days).

On May 3, 2015 exam, results became available online on June 12 for Sub-professional level and on June 15 for the Professional level (equivalent to 40-43 calendar days) after the day of exam.

Meanwhile, results of April 6, 2014 exam were released on May 19, 2014 or in 26 workings days (equivalent to 43 calendar days).

Examinees can also generate their examination rating through OCSERGS or Online Service Examination Result Generation System which can be accessed at the CSC website. Generation of exam rating through OCSERGS shall be available approximately in 15 days after posting the list of passers.

To receive more reliable updates regarding Civil Service Exam (CSE)-PPT, we encourage you to bookmark this page and don't forget to Like Us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter. You may also subscribe to our E-Mail list delivered by Feedburner.

VIDEO: UA Mindanao wows in death-defying PGT semi-finals performance

MANILA, Philippines - Motocross performers UA Mindanao impressed judges and viewers on their breathtaking and death-defying semi-finals performance on Pilipinas Got Talent (PGT) on Saturday, April 23, 2016.

UA Mindanao wows in death-defying PGT semi-finals

UA Mindanao from Kidapawan City once again proved they deserved the grand finals slot.

"I was impressed on your performance. It was death deying and breathtaking. You deserved to be included in the Finals," judge FMG said.

"Grabe kadelikado ng ginagawa nyo. Nakakainis kayo sa galing. Nakakaproud kayo," judge Angel Locsin has commented.

"Bihira tayo makakita ng ganyan sa Pilipinas. Walang ibang contest na nagpapakita ng ganyan. Ngayon palang iboto nyo sila. Deserve nila makapasok sa grand finals," Vice Ganda said.

WATCH: Pilipinas Got Talent Season 5 Semi-finals: UA Mindanao - Motorcross performance (video courtesy of ABS-CBN)

Meanwhile, here's UA Mindanao's performance during the audition stage:


Here's how to vote for UA Mindanao:

To vote via text, key in PGT space UA and send to 2366. Note: One vote per SIM, per contestant is allowed. ABS-CBN mobile subscribers can cast their votes for free while P 1.00 per vote is being charged for other networks.

To vote via Google, go to google.com.ph and log-in using your Google account. Type PGT5 in the search box, select photo of semi-finalist and submit. One vote per Google account is allowed.


Did you like UA Mindanao's performance? Tell us in the comment section below.

VIDEO: Amazing Pyra gives blazing PGT semi-finals performance

MANILA, Philippines - Fire dancer "Amazing Pyra" propelled a blazing performance anew during the semi-finals round of Pilipinas Got Talent (PGT) on Saturday, April 23, 2016.

 Amazing Pyra gives blazing semi-finals performance

The judges were impressed and gave the 20-year old dancer from Antipolo City a standing ovation.

"Amazing na amazing talaga, walang ibang pinagbabagayan ang pangalan mo kundi ikaw lang. Kinabog mo silang lahat sa husay mo," judge Vice Ganda commented.

"Gusto kong malaman na isa ka sa inaabangan ko dito sa PGT," judge Robin Padilla said.

Judge Freddie M. Garcia has revealed that during his rehearsal two days ago, Amazing Pyra had been flayed by a minor burn.

"Inspite of your condition, you perform very well," FMG said.

WATCH: Pilipinas Got Talent Season 5 Semi-finals: Amazing Pyra - Fire Dancer (video courtesy of ABS-CBN)

Here's how to vote for Amazing Pyra:

To vote via text, key in PGT space PYRA and send to 2366. Note: One vote per SIM, per contestant is allowed. ABS-CBN mobile subscribers can cast their votes for free while P 1.00 per vote is being charged for other networks.

To vote via Google, go to google.com.ph and log-in using your Google account. Type PGT5 in the search box, select photo of semi-finalist and submit. One vote per Google account is allowed.


Did you enjoy Amazing Pyra's performance? Tell us in the comment section below.

Facebook launches its Philippine office

MANILA - The world’s social media giant Facebook just reached the shores of the Philippines. In an exclusive event last Thursday (April 21) in Makati City, Facebook’s Vice President for Asia Pacific Dan Neary made the exciting announcement in front of various media outlets.

Facebook has now a physical presence in the Philippines.
Neary with the Facebook PH team. Digs Dimagiba (second from right) will lead the Manila office.
Photo credit: Dan Neary’s official Facebook account
Together with Neary is Digs Dimagiba who will be taking the Manila operations of the world-renowned social media site. Dimagiba was the previous mobile business director of Samsung’s office in the country.

A new era for PH’s business industry

“Today marks a new milestone for Facebook in the Philippines and we are committed to driving innovation that helps Filipinos and businesses connect in more meaningful ways," said Kenneth Bishop, Facebook's managing director for Southeast Asia, in a press release.


The Philippine branch of Facebook is the sixth to be established in Asia, the fourth in the ASEAN region. Other Asian-based offices are located in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan.

49M Pinoys are on Facebook

With half of the Philippine population engaged in using Facebook as their personal and professional communication platform, it is a no surprise why the country’s name emerged as the newest home in Asia of the twelve-year old social media juggernaut.

“Two thirds of everybody in the Philippines is connected to a company page. We started to look at the dynamics of them. 1 in 3 is actually recommending brands on Facebook and it’s a discovery vehicle for most of users. Ninety-five percent of them are talking and discovering products on Facebook,” according to Neary during a talk with the press that night.

Globally, Facebook takes pride of having 1.59 billion of active users per month, with 49 million Filipinos comprising the number. According to Facebook, among the 49 million Pinoy users, 44 million are accessing the site through their mobile devices. That accounts to a whopping 91% of the Filipino internet population.

Facebook PH will make it easier for businesses

The establishment of a Facebook office doesn’t only secured the country’s reputation as one of its leading users in the world but rather, the launching further solidified the reputation of the Philippines as a new global business hub in Asia.

Aside from that, local businesses and publishers will now be provided with easier means to jumpstart the promotion of their brands. A Philippine-based office of Facebook will be instrumental in a more convenient partnerships building, product branding and promotions for companies.

Facebook PH is hiring

As a new company, Facebook Philippines is currently looking for qualified people to fill the vacant positions needed to fire up the company’s domestic operations particularly an outsource site manager who will be tasked “to run outsourcing site operations and to manage vendor relationships.”

Also the company is in need of a regional product marketing manager who is expected “to drive product adoption and go-to-market strategies in the high-growth markets in Asia-Pacific.”

Facebook Philippines is temporarily housed at Regus Business Center on the 35th floor of the Eco Tower located in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig with already five people working behind it including Dimagiba as its head.

--Michael Santiago, The Summit Express

2015 Philippine Bar exam results out May 3 - sources

MANILA, Philippnes - The Supreme Court (SC) is expected to release the results of the November 2015 Philippine bar exam on Tuesday, May 3, sources bared on Thursday, April 21.


The SC is set to hold the special en banc session early May to discuss the passing percentage and the approval of results for the 2015 bar examination.

The official list of successful bar examinees will be flashed on a widescreen at the Supreme Court front yard and simultaneously be viewed at the official website of the highest court.

More than 6,600 out of 7,146 examinees have completed the four-Sunday examination held at the University of Santo Tomas that started November 4, 2015.

Supreme Court Associate Justice Teresita Leonardo-De Castro, Bar exams committee head, announced that oathtaking of the new lawyers is scheduled on June 16, 2016 (Thursday).

The 2015 Philippine Bar exam is consists of 20% multiple choice questions and 80% essay-type questions same with the previous year examination structure.

In 2014, bar passing percentage was 18.82 (1,126 out of 5,984) lower than the 2012 outcome. Irene Mae Alcobilla, graduate of San Beda College of Law Manila topped the exam with 85.50% average grade.

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List of Passers: November 2015 Philippine Bar Exam Results release